Volume 134 Spring 2021 Roundup Issue 2

Photo

ASO Club Council President Sofia Zaragoza studies on her

at The

in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March

Photo by Benjamin Hanson.

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Transfer Dilemma From the desk of the Roundup

hile the majority of students enter community college with a plan to transfer after two years, this is the case for less than 10% of students within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), and the solution could be having more counselors specializing in transferring.

According to the most recent accountability report released by California Community College system, only 40% of California based community college students who intend on fulfilling a bachelor’s degree successfully transfer to a fouryear school.

The junior college to fouryear transfer system is not as simple as it sounds. While community college advocates praise a “wiser financial decision,” the discrepancies involving differing private school articulation agreements,

Letters to the Editor

Policy: Letters and guest columns for or against any position are invited. Letters should be kept as brief as possible (300 words or less) and are subject to editing. Letters must be signed and include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms or initials will not be used, but names may be withheld upon request and approval of the Editorial Board. The Roundup publishes “Letters to the Editor” that are not obscene or libelous and do not contain racial denigration. Writers are given the opportunity to revise unacceptable letters. The Pierce College Roundup will not publish, as letters, literary endeavors, publicity releases, poetry or other such materials as the Editorial Board deems not to be a letter. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. the Sunday prior to the issue date.

Editorial Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

WCal State requirements, and those of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) are often hidden barriers between a student and transferring.

Also, a student has to fulfill General Education courses (GE) under these specific requirements listed, alongside those of required courses for a major in acquiring an Associate of Arts degree for transfer.

Adequate guidance from counselors in the Transfer Center would lessen this issue.

If Pierce counselors take the time to equip students with the knowledge and most efficient timeline, students could create the most productive schedule.

“It was honestly really hard for me to find out what classes I had to take because of the counselors,” Pierce Student Lauren Ziyaaein said. “They’re all really nice but not helpful and honestly don’t seem like they know what they’re saying most of the time. I had to get a

counselor outside of Pierce for help and don’t think I could’ve been ready to transfer at the two-year mark without them.”

Without this guidance from the beginning of an academic career, it is common that many students will waste their time by taking classes that don’t fulfill one of these categories to apply to schools in a timely fashion.

Also, counselors could be assigned a selection of majors. This way, depending on a student’s major, the student would visit a counselor who is knowledgeable in the necessary requirements rather than a counselor who has to rely on Google searches to answer crucial questions.

This way, students will have an efficient course plan for the next two years. With more counselors who specialize in specific majors, more students will be prepared to transfer after two years.

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Midnight school woes

International students are essential to the Brahma family’s diverse learning environment.

While many international students strive for success, the challenge of adjusting to different time zones limits their potential to succeed.

Due to COVID-19, many of these students live in their native countries, so they attend classes at unreasonably odd hours to match their mandatory class schedules. This negatively affects their well-being because students are suffering from sleep deprivation or general exhaustion.

The Daily Californian reported that Rensselaer Polytechnic University international student Kaijie Zhang was attending online classes from his home in China, and died “following bouts of irregular sleep.”

Wuxi is 13 hours ahead of Rensselaer, New York, so a typical 2 p.m. EST would have been 3 a.m. for Zhang.

EDITORIAL

COLUMN: Single mom’s tough year

Other international students attending classes in the United States, away from their families, struggle to balance their academic schedules and mental well-being between two different countries.

Many college teachers are willing to have flexible hours for these students, but there is a demand for specific resources and services catering to fit the needs of this community.

According to The Student Life, not only do these students battle academic challenges adjusting to school schedules, they also combat crippling loneliness and isolation.

Pierce professors should offer more leniency in terms of class scheduling. For example, they can record and upload their lectures online so that the students can later view them if they are unable to attend classes.

Also, Pierce should code a program within the online class platform that helps identify international students so that professors would be able to know whether to have only

BY SHANDANI JACKSON

The Brahma Pantry should be Pierce College’s main focus during the pandemic. Being a student and a working, single mother of two children makes keeping everyone on schedule hard.

My 15-minute breaks consist of rushing to find something easy and quick to make for the kids.

My lunch break and class happen at the same time. Dinner becomes tricky because my last break is my only time left to cook, and I finish work at 8 p.m. The stress of it all takes a toll on my health.

asynchronous or extremely flexible classes for them.

Pierce should fulfill its responsibility of providing equitable educational standards to students from diverse backgrounds.

According to Pierce’s international students’ information site, international students pay $265 per unit, while maintaining a minimum of 12 units for fall and spring semesters, which totals $6,360 per the two semesters.

The financial injustices that barricade international students’ fundamental right to education continue to put their health and academic success at risk.

Dire times such as this pandemic cause our students to experience administrative and academic inadequacies. Pierce’s international community needs us to provide the care and support promised to them through their admissions and financial package.

From the desk of the Roundup

Parking lot flicks

ith the resurgence of popularity for drive-in movie theaters in 2020, it’s hard not to feel a sense of deja vu.

The affinity people have towards these 1920 novelties would make it easy for Pierce College to take the opportunity to organize a drive-in cinema.

CNN said a local diner in New York started a drivein theater to raise money for charity.

The owner, Kal Dellaportas, said that the tickets sold out within three minutes when they first started. Dellaportas also said they had more than 500 attempts to purchase the tickets within that time frame.

Holding an outdoor cinema

Wevent would also benefit other local businesses. Pierce could invite food trucks and have them bring purchases to the people in their vehicles.

To save confusion, parking spaces would be numbered to make ordering easier. The school could also sell snacks this way, which would raise funds while keeping everyone safe. It would be an ideal solution to raise money for the school.

But money is not the only thing Pierce would be raising.

A study from USC reports that L.A. County residents experienced higher levels of COVID-19 related depression and anxiety. Having a nostalgic distraction would help raise the spirits of a community heavily

hit by the pandemic.

In a National Geographic article, psychology professor at Le Moyne College Krystine Batcho said that revisiting the past is a natural response.

“Generally people find comfort in nostalgia during times of loss, anxiety, isolation or uncertainty,” Batcho said.

A sense of normalcy would benefit the community and provide a light during these somewhat dark times.

I realize quickly that not having access to meals, or healthy meals at that, can affect my focus and performance. Snacks and chips are usually my go-to, but by the end of the day I feel less energized and more sluggish.

After a long day, I still need energy to keep up with kids. My son has energy for days, and my daughter and I usually take shifts with him since we are both in school and at work at the same time.

On Feb. 25, the Pantry held their second drive-through food distribution event on campus. The program sheds light on the food and housing support needed for students, especially during these chaotic times.

The pandemic has caused a new wave of issues for students either trying to balance school, work, family or all of the above. Every student is trying to keep afloat, and this program is an essential part of Pierce College.

There are dozens of students out there that could use the help. The Brahma Pantry is worth looking up.

I learned about the Pantry through my student email and quickly registered online. I was happy to find out the school had a program that supported students in different situations. The program offers food, housing and financial assistance as well as other basic needs.

Once I registered, I was asked to fill out a questionnaire informing the program of areas I needed assistance with. A few days later, I received an approval email with instructions for the pantry pick-up.

Brahma Pantry organizer, D’arcy Corwin, is always willing to answer questions. She’s welcoming, and understands that everyone has different situations.

It took me less than five minutes to pick up the meals. My name was on a list at the entrance where I provided my ID. I pulled up to the semi circle, three bags were placed in the trunk and I was on my way.

These meals have been incredibly helpful. I’m not rushing or stressing about how much time I have left to feed my kids. The meals are healthy and low calorie, so you feel good about what you’re eating. But it’s a bonus that the meals taste good too.

My favorite by far was the creole chicken salad and my kids loved the breakfast burritos. A lot of planning and effort was put into this event, and I have the utmost appreciation. These meals are a lifesaver.

I will participate in the next event. It was well worth it.

Vaccine door opens for L.A. faculty and staff

For some Pierce College professors. finding a COVID-19 vaccine appointment feels like winning the lottery.

On March 1, Los Angeles County entered a new tier allowing professors, school staff and childcare providers to get vaccinated.

Psychology and Statistics

professor Angela Belden said she made it her priority to book an appointment to get the vaccine.

“It involved some obsessive checking of the internet, so as soon as they announced that teachers, educational faculty and staff would be eligible starting March 1, I started looking to sign up,” Belden said.

Scheduling an appointment wasn’t difficult, according to Belden, but the worry and stress of not being able to arrange one weighed on her.

“Until [COVID’s transmission rate] goes down to little or none, I’m still going to have worries,” Belden said. “My wife and I both have vaccine appointments, but our four children are not eligible for the vaccine yet. While I’m thrilled that my wife and I can be vaccinated, we still have to be extremely worried for our children and other members of our family.”

There is still a great deal of angst and anxiety surrounding the ability to receive the vaccine,” Belden said.

“I recognize the great privilege that I have since I work in education and it has been prioritized. I have a stable internet connection and the time to check.”

Since February, Pierce has been offering free COVID testing and vaccinations for those eligible. But according to Senate President Barbara Anderson, the school’s faculty and administration have to find appointments like everyone else.

“Even though Pierce is a testing site for COVID-19, it doesn’t give us a cut in line in getting the vaccine,”Anderson said. “We’re like all the other people in different categories working our way to get that vaccine.”

Anderson said that professors are eager to return to campus when they’re able to get vaccinated.

“A lot of us have said ‘Oh, I’ll be so glad when I have it so I can get back to face-to-face instruction’ while many of us prefer online teaching,” Anderson said. “We don’t get to connect with students and many of us miss that.”

Professor Yeprem Davoodian, who received his first vaccine on March 7, said that he thinks students are more successful on campus.

“Research indicates the longer students are on campus, the more successful they are because of exposure to community and resources,” Davoodian said. “Right now in the virtual environment, the element of human connection is missing. Communication in the classroom via Zoom is hard.”

Davoodian said that although he is healthy, he felt compelled to get vaccinated. He said wouldn’t mind waiting for the vaccine, but wanted to get one in case the school made it mandatory to return to campus.

“It wasn’t easy, and it was partially frustrating because everyone had gotten wind of when to register,” Davoodian said. “It was like the hunger games, everyone trying to get the vaccine.”

Belden said she made her appointment to protect herself and her family, and she’s passionate about the power the vaccine holds.

“Vaccines save lives and we need to do everything we can to save lives,” Belden said. “They continue to do so by preventing the spread of disease.”

BY ARIEL GIL

“ While I’m thrilled that my wife and I can be vaccinated, we still have to be extremely worried for our children and other members of our family”

Angela Belden Psychology professor

Photo by David Pashae Los Angeles County Department of Public Health staff checks patient information and guides drivers at the distribution vaccine site at Cal State University Northridge in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 7, 2021.

Photo by David Pashae Grace, one of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health nurses, holds the Pfizer vaccine at Cal State University Northridge in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 7, 2021

Pierce workers and educators are getting their first doses as a part of Tier 1B

Photo by David Pashaee

Pierce College Professor Angela Belden receives her first dose of Pfizer vaccine at Cal State University Northridge in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 7, 2021.

COVID-19: A year of empty classes and full Zoom rooms College finds stability in online environment across two semesters

BY TRISHA ANAS

Ayear ago, students filled Pierce College’s libraries, classrooms and playing fields.

Then, in March 2020, the lives of hundreds of students changed after the country was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Pierce has an empty campus and a virtual reality.

With an absence of in-person classes, students, student athletes and faculty members struggled to adapt to online transitions.

Performing Arts Department

Chair Michael Gend said in a phone interview that because he teaches theater classes, the changes were challenging.

“It’s been a really interesting online transition because our art form was specifically created to have in-person art and storytelling,” Gend said. “We still do live theater, but we do it through Zoom. The actors are all in their homes, and we try to make it feel like they’re in the same location. We’ve adapted things that way.”

Gend also said that most of his department have been eager to return to campus. Many of the professors and staff have already either received their COVID-19 vaccines or have signed up to get one, Gend said.

Alissa Vasquez, a Sociology major, said that she had some difficulty with the distanced online learning environment while she was taking an American Sign Language course.

“Many of us were just barely learning ASL, and we can’t talk in class,” Vasquez said. “With ASL, you have to really be able to communicate with your classmates.”

Vasquez said that she, like many other students, has been relying on group messages and Zoom to connect with others. Other students, like English major Sofia Zaragoza, said that they miss having face-to-face interactions.

“Having three English classes transition online was pretty rough simply because in my experience, I thrive on discussions,” Zaragoza said. “I’m lucky that I haven’t really needed to do things hands-on, but I still really miss the in-person, walking to class aspect.”

Though some students prefer having classes on campus, others say the online environment has benefited them.

Associated Students Organization President Jamie Crespin, who is a nursing major, said that with virtual asynchronous classes, she’s found more time to work while completing her classes.

“I’ve found that school is a lot less time consuming when you do what you have to do at your own pace, and

you don’t have to wait for professors to take their time with the lectures,” Crespin said.

Crespin also said that though she likes the online learning experience, she would prefer to do some of her science classes hands-on.

“When we were in-person, I used to love doing labs, but now we just

watch videos of someone else doing [the labs] and I don’t think you get much knowledge from it,” Crespin said. “Since COVID happened, I’ve taken chemistry. I’m currently taking microbiology and physiology, and I don’t think I’ve gotten as much out of those classes as I would’ve in-person.”

President Alexis Montevirgen

said that he also misses live interactions. But despite the rough patches the school has gone through, Montevirgen said that Pierce has stayed strong.

“It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’m also proud of the faculty, staff and especially the students,” Montevirgen said. “We refused to let a global pandemic get in the way of providing

for our students and our community. Given the lemons that we had thrown at us, we made the best damn lemonade that we could have.”

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Enrollment drops for second consecutive year

All nine LACCD schools have experienced decreases from 13% -17%

BY SHEHREEN KARIM

Statewide, community colleges are experiencing dips in enrollment because of COVID-19. Pierce College is no different.

The school faces a decline of 17 percent in enrollment since spring 2020.

But Pierce President Alexis Montevirgen said Pierce’s enrollment is doing better than most colleges in the district.

“I think right now the enrollment issues aren’t necessarily something to be overly concerned about given how it’s looking like for all of our sister colleges even within LACCD,” Montevirgen said.

Although many Pierce students are taking multiple classes, the overall headcount has gone down in a much sharper percentage than the enrollment itself did.

The amount of individual students this semester is 15,724, while before the distanced learning was 18,049, according to the LACCD student information system.

Academic Senate President Barbara Anderson said the decline in headcount can be attributed to not enough new highschool students are enrolling.

This fall, there was a 21.7 percent decline in highschool graduates going to college immediately when compared to 2019 graduates,according to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Performing arts professor Michael Gend said that hard to convert classes such as theater were most

impacted with reduced enrollment.

“You hear the word kinesiology, which implies physical education, or you hear the word dance or theater and you imagine those kinds of performances in-person, so students might be less motivated to come,” Gend said.

With distanced learning, Gend said that students can enroll in any community college no matter how far they are from the campus, which is another reason why Pierce is seeing declines in enrollment. “There’s a lot of competition that isn’t normally there,” Gend said. “Normally, we would service our geographical area, and the students would come to us because they live in the area. But that isn’t so much anymore.”

Montevirgen explained that while cuts to classes are a concern when enrollment dips, department chairs and enrollment management aren’t cutting classes, and are instead being more “efficient” in what classes are offered when enrollment declines.

Math department Chair Eddie Tchertchian said that upper division math courses such as calculus and trigonometry are maintaining enrollment, while algebra and statistics were the hardest hit. He attributes this decline to how more students are able to enroll in transfer level math courses directly.

The enrollment management committee launched a “one more class” campaign, encouraging students to enroll in just one more class if they are able to.

Gend said that getting that message to students isn’t as easy. He explained that although he encouraged

his dance students to enroll in more classes if they are able to, he has no way of knowing if they did.

Enrollment in spring 2020 before the pandemic saw more students enrolled than in 2019, which made enrollment more than 100% compared to the previous year. But this semester, Pierce is seeing only

an 83% in enrollment from last year. Director of the Transfer Center Sunday Salter said that a decline in enrollment can be because of the remote environment where students don’t feel as engaged. She said seeing enrollment return to pre-COVID-19 numbers might take some time.

“My gut tells me it’s going to be awhile,” Salter said. “When our economy is struggling, typically we have higher enrollment, because a lot of people are out of work. But that’s not what we’re seeing.”

After the pandemic and a return to in-person instruction, Montevirgen is optimistic.

“I firmly believe that once we make our way out of the pandemic and we have the proper vaccines and the therapeutics, there will be sort of a return to education,” Montevirgen said.

Photo by Benjamin Hanson

ASO Club Council President Sofia Zaragoza studies on her laptop at The Village in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 18, 2021.

Trading the gym for the backyard

Student athletes try to keep in shape without formal conditioning

BY MADISON CREEKBAUM

Pierce College student athletes will remember last March as the first time the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their athletic career.

Spring sports competitions were postponed indefinitely March 12. One week later, the California Community College Athletic Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to cancel all athletic competition for the remainder of that semester.

Though some Pierce students have been impacted by stay-athome orders, student athletes have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pierce President Alexis Montevirgen said that since the pandemic began, he has always been thinking of the student-athletes.

“I want to convey that this has always been a concern and it has been on my mind as a college president,” Montevirgen said. “We still have to be deliberate and make sure that we don’t haphazardly just go ahead and put our students and faculty in any type of increased risk or increased danger. We do know that simply because these restrictions are getting lifted, doesn’t mean the risk is no longer there.”

Swim and water polo athlete Maria Sandoghdar said that connection to teammates is something she misses.

“Pushing and inspiring each other at practice in order to succeed at meets was extremely satisfying,” Sandoghdar said. “Our car rides to every meeting and cheering each other on during our races made us all feel like a team. I miss my teammates every day, and it still hurts that we were never able to finish our season all together.”

Zaki Katibah also competed on the school’s swim team. Katibah said he had trouble separating from his teammates during the pandemic, especially with those that planned to transfer the following year.

“Some of my teammates have become some of my closest friends in college during my time at Pierce, and not being able to see them at the pool was really frus-

trating,” Katibah said. “Having the season cut short really was a punch in the gut as our last practice together happened way too soon.”

Katibah also said that the pandemic dampened his athletic career.

“The cancellation of all sports made me feel devastated,” Katibah said. “That season before COVID was by far going to be my best one. I was in my prime. I have never been as fast as I was during the 2020 season.”

Interim Athletic Director Susan Armenta said the athletes are feeling the effects of not having competition.

“Many of the athletes are struggling tremendously without access to their team sport,” Armenta said. “Our coaches report that our student athletes are really struggling, emotionally, psychologically because we’re not able to get on campus.”

Armenta also said that she feels student athletes have been hit harder by the stay-at-home orders than some of the other students.

“I understand that would be the case for all students who are wanting to get on campus, but more so student athletes because we’re used to working together with our teammates, playing and practicing together,” Armenta said.

Sandoghdar said that student athletes have not been able to maintain the same shape they were in while practicing on campus.

“My body also completely crashed,” Sandoghdar said. “I was so used to hard practices every day and having my coaches push me, so it was a huge change going from intense workouts to Zoom workouts a few days a week.”

Katibah said that without his teammates and new workouts pushing him, his enthusiasm for the sport has dwindled.

“[The pandemic] has ended my competitive swimming career,” Katibah said. “The hardest thing to overcome was getting used to practicing alone. Even though we were ‘together’ on Zoom during these workouts, nothing could replace actual human interaction when working out.”

Zaki Katibah, Student Athlete

For some students, sports were their main source of interaction with other people.

Soccer player Julianna Euyoque said she struggled with the lack of socialization.

“The one thing I miss the most about sports before COVID is being able to physically play with my teammates,” Euyoque said. “Also being able to bond with them, being able to go out and eat with them and creating that special connection with them.”

Students are not the only ones missing in-person sports. Head swim and water polo coach Judith Terhar said she misses the faceto-face connection she has been familiar with for the past 40 years of her coaching career.

Terhar said that team sports cannot be mimicked the same way online classes have been through Zoom. She also said she estimates that it will take her athletes a year to get back into competing shape.

According to Terhar, with the possibility of summer classes being taken away from the swim and

BY MICHELLE OAKES

With schools making plans to soon reopen their campuses, childcare staff members at Pierce College believe it is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

On March 1, California announced that childcare workers are eligible to be vaccinated. California is in Phase 1B of vaccinations, covering about 12 million Californians. Director of the Child Development Center Melissa Brisbois said that vaccinations are important to keeping other people safe.

“A lot of the time, elderly grandparents pick the children up,” Brisbois said. “I want to be sure that I am not spreading the virus. We’re at risk in a group setting.”

Brisbois was told by health and safety instructors that working with children is like being on the “front line in the war,” with COVID.

water polo team, it could mean another two seasons lost for coaches and athletes.

Sandoghar said she feels like the past year has been wasted without sports.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to use my eligibility next year since I plan on transferring, so it’s sad how I potentially had my last season ever without even knowing it.” Sandoghdar said.

Armenta said she’s worked hard to get her students back on campus, but without access to resources like personal protective equipment, routine testing and vaccinations, it’s difficult to help students get back into action.

“As long as we’re able to provide a plan how we will be able to implement coming on campus,” Armenta said, “that plan can be reviewed. It’s not a guarantee that we’d be allowed, but at least we can present the plan to try and get on campus, sooner rather than later, and sooner being as soon as summer or later being fall.”

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Athlete of the week: COVID-19 edition Basketball player practices off campus, anxious to return to the court

BY MAX OSBURN

While many sporting events have been put on pause due to COVID-19 precautions, AJ Werner has proven his resolve as a true athlete by not letting the external forces inhibit his dedication to his craft - basketball.

Werner is a Pierce College freshman coming into the men’s basketball team with the proper drive and discipline that will better enhance his skills on the court. He has been able to stay busy and fit at his home.

“Everything I’ve done has been from home,” Werner said. “I run three miles through hills around my neighborhood to keep my legs strong and to stay conditioned. I have some dumbbells in a room that I use. I also do bodyweight exercises. I’m able to get shots up on a hoop and work on dribbling on my driveway.”

Werner is still able to mix up his personal training with team drills over Zoom. The online training sessions allow for team synergy and coach criticism and input.

“I practice six days a week. Twice a week with the team over Zoom for three hours,” Werner said. “On my own I don’t really time how long I practice. I usually don’t stop practicing until I make a certain number of shots.”

coach

has

year’s men’s basketball team. He says that the transition to online training has been challenging but he still finds a way to help develop their skills.

“They finish up training with me. Right now, we’re working on defensive fundamentals and they seem to be buying in as much as possible on Zoom,” White said. “We’ve also been watching a lot of film of prior games from last year.”

White feels that he has a solid and strong team this year and that Werner is a prime example of an athlete that he can trust.

“He’s a real good kid,” White said. “The reason why he got nominated for Athlete of the Week is because he shows up. He’s been showing up since the fall and probably only missed one time because he had to go to the dentist. He’s a guy I can trust. I put a ball in his hands and I know he’s gonna do what needs to be done with it.”

Werner’s father, Jay Werner, has also coached basketball at LA Valley College, Glendale, and the Poly Boys varsity team. He expressed pride about his son receiving the Athlete of the Week award.

“To be honest, it feels good,” Jay Werner said. “Joining the Pierce College team and embracing the program that they have put together has in my eyes really changed his game, since I have watched him workout daily. I’ve seen the hard work he’s put in, and to be rewarded for that hard work from his coaches is cool.”

Jay Werner also expressed the

admiration he has for his son to be committed to getting better even through the pandemic.

“He used this incredibly tough and crazy time to dedicate himself to the game that he now truly loves,” Jay Werner explained. “It can only lead to a successful future in life in whatever he chooses to do.”

AJ Werner is anxious to continue his basketball career and has his goals set high with the full intention of working to achieve them.

“I’ve been given a great opportunity to come here to Pierce and play,” AJ Werner said. “I know that with the help of my coaches and teammates I’ll be able to have a successful season and then hopefully transfer to a four-year school to continue my basketball career.”

For now, much of the training and sporting events will still be put on pause or held with unconventional circumstances until circumstances improve but AJ Werner has displayed how a true athlete will refuse to become lazy and will find ways to still get work done despite the obstacles that stand in their way.

“I feel that the future is incredibly bright for me,” AJ Werner said. “Until then though, my focus is for the upcoming season.”

The CDC at Pierce is a statefunded institution that provides preschool for low-income families. The programs at the center help student-parents with childcare for children ages three to six before they begin at a regular school.

On March 15, 2020, the CDC closed completely due to COVID-19. During spring break of 2020, the childcare center created a virtual program that began to include “family support.”

“We created Zoom experiences specifically for children, and formed a Zoom schedule where we were meeting with them in small groups,” Brisbois said.

Childcare teacher Miyuki Yatsuya said that teachers send the parents links to activities each week for their children, as well as packages with classroom materials.

“We don’t have much control,” Yatsuya said. “I don’t know how they are living or the kind of struggle they have. It’s not my place to judge. We just provide the best that we can.”

CDC workers have had to adjust to the conditions because of the pandemic.

“One of the hardest parts about this is going on the screen,” Yatsuya said. “It goes against our entire philosophy. Our goal is to get children outside, digging in the sand, and swinging on the swings. Children need live, face to face interaction. I’m a huge advocate for no screen time.”

Child Development instructor Michelle Ventimiglia said Zoom poses challenges for young children.

“Zoom classes are hard to do with three and four year old’s,” Ventimiglia said. “They need to work with each other.”

Brisbois says the CDC has a plan in place that is in line with the COVID guidelines, restrictions and advice from the Los Angeles Public Department of Health and the state of California. But it is at the discretion of the campus as to when the childcare can go back to the classroom.

Brisbois said that they are taking a lot of factors into account, and that she’s doing everything she can to be there for the parents on an emotional level.

“Things are changing so rapidly, but the children have been resilient,” Brisbois said. “We need cases to go down. We want to do it as safely as possible.”

moakes.roundupnews@gmail.com

A step closer to reunite with the children

“ Some of my teammates have become some of my closest friends in college during my time at Pierce, and not being able to see them at the pool was really frustrating,”

Photo by Raquel G Frohlich AJ Werner, a Pierce College athlete, practices basketball at Woodley Park in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles, Calif., on March 17, 2021.

Photo by Benjamin Hanson

Soccer player Julianna Euyoque ends her workout with core exercises in her backyard during a Zoom meeting in Panorama City, Calif., on March, 9, 2021.

A Year Without

Photo By Benjamin Hanson

Football sled surrounded by debris at John Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17, 2021.

Vending machine shelf on the Pierce College campus in Woodland Hills,

Empty Campus

BY BENJAMIN HANSON

It has been a year since the Pierce College campus was open for in-person learning.

The campus hasn’t reopened since Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the country’s first stay-at-home order on March 19, 2020.

Although Parking Lot 7 became the San Fernando Valley’s largest COVID-19 testing and vaccination site, the rest of the college is eerily empty.

Weeds are growing. Flyers and newspapers have remained. Leaves are piled in many outdoor walkways. Debris has scattered all over the field in John Shepard Stadium. Flowers and plants in the fine arts building are wilting. Vending machines are void of all snacks and drinks.

The evidence serves as a reminder of what the campus was a year ago, as the reopening process slowly begins.

Without Students

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Photo By Benjamin Hanson

Vending machines have been emptied at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17, 2021.

Photo By Benjamin Hanson

2021. Vending machines on campus are empty since the college has been closed since March 16, 2020.

Photo By Benjamin Hanson

A metal art sculpture by the Fine Arts building on Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17, 2021.

Photo By Benjamin Hanson The Brahma Bull metal sculpture on The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17, 2021.

The Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.